Chapter Thirty-Three - Invitations 20th December 1978
By the time the Christmas holidays arrived, Izabella hadn't spoken to any of her old friends in more than a month. At first, they had attempted to send owls but they soon gave up.
Izabella was hurt at how quickly they seemed to stop caring but she realised, Lily had James now. Ironic that it had been Izabella that had finally persuaded Lily to go on a date with James, at least to stop him from pestering her.
She had sent one reply, and that was to Remus. Mainly because his was the only letter that seemed to be directed at her well being rather than her relationship with Sirius.
Izabella,
I haven't heard from you in a while. Hope all is well and that you are enjoying your classes.
Hope to see you soon, perhaps at Christmas?
Your friend,
Remus
An emotional wreck as it was, the letter had reduced Izabella to tears and made her, just for a moment, regret her decision to not make up with Sirius.
She replied, but reason soon reminded her that despite how close Izabella and Remus once were, he was Sirius' friend. The Maruaders always stuck together. And Izabella was extremely stubborn.
Izabella lifted her head from where it rested against the cold window as there was a knock on the train carriage door.
"Sorry Izabella, we're almost at London."
"Oh, that was quick. I'll be there in a moment Scott." Izabella said, smiling as she stretched.
"Where are you two going?" Ruby asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. There was a giggle from the corner of the compartment behind the latest edition of Witch Weekly.
"Oh shut up Jade. It's just Head Girl duties." Izabella said rolling her eyes.
"So that's what they call it now?" Jade joked, flicking her curly brown hair out of her eyes. Izabella laughed, shaking her head slightly at her fellow Slytherin.
"Well, I guess I'll see you soon." Izabella said, leaning down to place a kiss on each girl's cheek.
"We'll see you at the Malfoy's New Year Ball won't we?" Jade questioned.
"I didn't know they have a New Year Ball?" Izabella said quietly.
"It's a big deal Iz, I'm sure Lucius will mention it to you." Ruby assured her.
"If he takes you as his date... Then you know he's serious about you."
"Jade stop scaring her." Ruby hissed. She squeezed Izabella's hand comfortingly. "Don't worry, it's just a party."
"It's the social highlight of the year! Lucius has never taken anyone as a date and I bet he'll take Izabella. It'll be all over Witch Weekly and-"
"Alright Jade." snapped Ruby, her eyes widening threateningly.
"Right. I might see you soon then." Izabella said, her brow furrowing as she picked up her bag and threw it over her shoulder. She slipped out of the compartment and shut the door behind her.
"You okay? Izabella? Hello..." Scott said, waving his hand in front of her face.
"What? Oh yeah, I'm fine." Izabella said, shaking her head then looking up to smile at Scott.
They began to walk down the corridor of the train, glancing through the windows and checking that the students were in acceptable Muggle clothing and that no one had blown up their compartments.
"Looking forward to Christmas?" Scott asked.
"I suppose." replied Izabella shrugging lightly.
"Are you doing anything special? I was just thinking, maybe we could meet up in Diagon Alley or something?" he suggested lightly. "Ruby could come as well."
"Yeah. That would nice. Thanks Scott." Izabella said with a warm smile. They had reached the end of the train and both stumbled slightly as the train came to a stop at the station. There was a rumbling beneath their feet as hundreds of students grabbed their bags and rushed to the doors.
"Stop running." Scott yelled at a first year as he opened the train door and stood back for Izabella to pass. She stepped down onto the platform and turned to Scott.
"I'll see you soon Scott, have a good Christmas."
"You too Iz. I'll write to you."
Izabella beamed at him over her shoulder as she wandered down the platform to collect her luggage.
"Izabella!"
She turned quickly, her eyes widening slightly.
"Lucius, why are you here?" she asked as she made her way towards him, her trunk standing beside him.
"To see you of course." he said, bending to place a kiss on the top of her hand. Izabella's attention, however, was on the figure standing slightly behind him.
"Severus."
"Izabella."
"How are you?"
"I'm okay."
There was a pause before she rushed forward just as he extended his arms out to her.
"I missed you." he said quietly in her ear. She nodded in agreement and pulled out of the embrace.
"It's good to see you." she said with a small smile.
"Well that went better than planned." Lucius said, arching his eyebrow slightly and watching Izabella closely. "Shall we get out of here?"
The busy platform was bustling around them and Izabella could feel eyes boring into her, watching the exchange closely. She nodded and turned quickly leading her brother and Lucius along the platform towards the wall.
She slipped through casually then continued through Kings Cross station until she reached the main entrance. She paused as she reached a secluded side street away from Muggle eyes.
"Izabella, we will have to Side-Along apparate." Lucius said carefully, adjusting his clothing and glancing over his shoulder.
"How come?" Izabella asked with a frown.
"We're staying at Malfoy Manor over Christmas." Severus said quietly, the two men watching her reaction closely. For a second, Izabella's eyebrows shot up but otherwise her face remained calm.
"Right. Very well." Izabella said with a delicate cough. Lucius smiled and she accepted his outstretched arm tentatively.
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